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Latos among injured Reds' players on mend

Mat Latos discusses his recovery from offseason injuries, when he may be able to pitch and what he expects from the Reds in 2014

By Mark Sheldon
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MLB.com |

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Some of the Reds' injured pitchers are showing optimistic signs in their efforts towards getting ready.

Starting pitcher Mat Latos (left knee meniscus tear) will throw from a mound for the first time since his Feb. 14 surgery.

"We're pretty optimistic he'll be able to toe the slab on Wednesday," manager Bryan Price said.

Reliever Jonathan Broxton (right forearm surgery) had his third bullpen session of spring and threw close to 30 pitches.

"He threw great. He looks like he's ready to go," Price said. "We have to follow a throwing protocol to get him ready for games -- throw live batting practice, facing hitters, throwing his breaking ball. There is a ways to go for that. His delivery looks good. His arm looks good. He's bouncing back really well. He doesn't have a lot of residual throwing soreness that is typical for this time of year in Spring Training."

Lefty reliever Sean Marshall (sore shoulder) has not yet resumed working from a mound.

"He's got a lot of tightness in his shoulder, just muscular stuff," Price said. "We've done all the tests and stuff on it and don't see any reason to be concerned."

The Reds were being careful not to rush any of their pitchers back.

"There is no reason to step on the gas pedal with these guys," Price said. "There is still plenty of time left in spring to have them all ready."

Among the position players, non-roster outfielder Jason Bourgeois has yet to appear in a game because of a strained right hamstring. Bourgeois, who is trying to earn a spot as a reserve outfielder, could get into a game as soon as this week.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.